Cabral was one of the 14-strong influx of players last summer under previous director of football Roberto De Fanti.

Along with the likes of Modibo Diakite and David Moberg Karlsson, he has never been part of Gus Poyet’s plans since he took charge in October.

The 25-year-old has two more years left on the contract he signed 12 months ago, but the Black Cats are keen to get him off their books in a hurry.

Cabral’s agent Walter Fernandez says he is looking for a new club for his client in England, Italy or Spain - but says a move to either another Premier League club or to the Championship is the favoured option.

Fernandez said: “He wants to stay in England.

“We are looking at Italy and Spain but we are trying to find a club in the Premier League or the Championship.

“It is not a problem to play in the Championship, there are a lot of interesting teams there.

“We are still trying to find the right solution. I have spoken with clubs, but nothing has been agreed yet.”

Cabral arrived on a Bosman free transfer last summer and his wages are a significant obstacle to finding him another club.

However, Fernandez says a loan move might offer the best solution.

He added: “A permanent transfer is not easy so I think a loan might be more possible.”

Sunderland will look to offload Cabral before the transfer deadline.

If they fail to do so they could still loan him out to a Championship club when the emergency loan window opens on September 8.

Meanwhile, the Wearsiders’ efforts to move on another player deemed surplus to requirements are proving more successful.

Alfred N’Diaye’s brother and agent Bakary Ciss met with representatives of Spanish side Real Betis on Wednesday and the midfielder was due to undergo a medical today.

Sunderland agreed a £2m fee with Betis earlier this month, although the deal could eventually be worth £3m to the Black Cats if Betis win promotion to the top tier.

N’Diaye spent the first half of last season on loan with Turkish side Eskisehirspor before moving to Spain in January to spend the remainder of the campaign at Betis.